Justin Langer has, for now, survived an intense fortnight of speculation about his role as Australian coach.
Much as when he opened the batting on fast WACA decks, the West Australian copped a press barrage in recent weeks, ranging from leaked player discontent to disgruntled former colleagues.
He survived — but only just.
While Cricket Australia CEO Nick Hockley might try to convince the public otherwise, his hold on the role remains tenuous. For Langer has overseen a steady 18-month decline in results.
Irrespective the mitigating factors and excuses provided around recent defeats, the Australian men’s team has stagnated in the two most relevant formats as we speak: Test and T20 cricket.
Langer is fortunate that recent series defeats to the West Indies and Bangladesh were as off-broadway as possible for an Australian team, overshadowed by the Olympics and (in the case…
